Round 6 – FLAG Funding Awards

Burghead and Nairn harbours are set to benefit from the latest round of funding through the Highland & Moray Fisheries Local Action Group (FLAG). Scottish White Fish Producers Association Burghead & Hopeman Branch will receive £20,810 towards a new fuel tank facility while Highland Council Harbours will receive £29,997 for the installation of pontoons to increase berthing space at Nairn harbour.

Hamish McPherson, Scottish White Fish Producers Association, “At present a road fuel tanker delivers fuel to the boats once a week, this means that fishermen are at the mercy of when the tanker is available and have to arrange their working day around its delivery time, often resulting in loss of fishing time. By installing a fuel tank, Burghead harbour users will be able to re-fuel at their convenience, 24 hours a day. This will be a fantastic boost for the fishing industry in Burghead and we would like to thank the FLAG for their support with the project.”

Tony Usher, Highland Council Harbours Manager, “Harbour usage is on the way up and this is putting high demand on available berthing space from various sectors including fishing, marine leisure and water sports activities. Through support from the FLAG we are able to install pontoons to create an additional 15 berthing spaces at Nairn harbour to address the current waiting list and relieve congestion around the harbour. Work will begin soon with the installation due to be completed by September.”

The FLAG is now inviting Expressions of Interest to be submitted by 31st August 2018 for projects to be considered at the next FLAG meeting in September. Further funding rounds will be announced in due course.